My New Old House

New Title New Direction

2015-07-25T03:01:00.000-04:00

New blog title. New direction.

I'm very excited. I'm going house hunting this weekend. I wasn't sure I'd be able to buy one until after the first of the year, but I've gotten my pre-approval letter for my mortgage (very important first step) so I know how much I can spend. Hopefully I'll be able to find an almost dream house. I am not expecting to find a turn key situation (one that doesn't need any renovations). I'm good at recognizing potential, and as long as there aren't any serious infrastructure issues I'm good.

Anyway, I'm going to share my befores and afters here and the journey to get there. Hopefully I'll be more successful than I've been with my efforts to share my crocheting.

I'll let you know how the hunting goes!

A Good Day

2014-11-30T00:14:00.000-05:00

Today I adopted a dog from the shelter. It wasn't anything I planned to do today. My family and I were out and about, having brunch, then bought a Christmas tree (which still needs to be decorated). We stopped at Sonic for drinks when my daughter in law spied a sign about a county shelter adoption day, so we drove around until we found it. The little guy was the only dog left and that helped make my decision. He came into the shelter and they named him Doxy because he's a dachshund mix. We changed his name to Homer. He was responding to it almost immediately. Our kitten isn't too keen with our newest family member, but Homer is just a delight to have around. He's very sweet and well behaved. Already potty trained. I'm hoping he'll get less reticent about chewing on his rawhide treats. So far he's ignored them. I am so blessed to have found this little guy. I'll post a picture as soon as I can.

Another Excuse

2013-05-27T11:15:00.001-04:00

I've been having trouble with carpal tunnel syndrome in my dominant hand, so I haven't been doing much of anything extra outside of work, where I sit in front of a computer for most of the day. Which only partially explains my lengthy absence from blogging. I'm not great at it anyway.

I want to take this time to ask you to remember all who have served in the military today, and especially those who have died to preserve our freedom and to secure freedom for others.

Admiration

2013-03-02T20:25:00.001-05:00

I so admire those bloggers who determine to do something, a challenge if you will, and actually manage to carry it through. I didn't even make it through the first month.

It seems that life just gets in the way of what I want to do. I am working on two baby blankets now. Thankfully one just requires some finishing touches, but the other has barely been started. I'm not sure that I am even going to use the pattern I've picked out, but the colors are definitely in.

I love the blues and greens of a male peacock, so those are the colors I'm using. I've completed one using these colors and love the results. The recipient loves it, too. Actually wants to keep it for herself rather than let the baby use it when he comes. This is the pattern I used, but each color change was green or blue or a multi-hued yarn with those colors in it.

I have been crocheting hearts, though, lots and lots of hearts. Unfortunately my camera is not charged right now (shame on me), but I promise to post some pictures of at least some of the hearts.

And I am dealing with another upper respiratory issue again. I literally had just gotten rid of the cough I've had since pneumonia struck. Thankfully no infections, though, and I'm already starting to feel better.

Rough Week

2013-01-26T21:45:00.000-05:00

This past week was a rough one. I traveled to Pensacola with co-workers to the funeral of one of our own. Debra Fuller passed away on January 15th, and was laid to rest on the 23d. She was a wonderful, loving, giving friend. She missed the birth of her third grandchild, Michael, who arrived on the 19th. He's a beautiful little boy with a lot of light brown hair and big blue eyes.

When Deb was diagnosed with cancer, less than six months ago, I refused to believe that she would not beat it and would return to work. It took awhile to sink in because even after the funeral I was convinced she was playing a trick on us. But it hit me today that she won't be coming back.

I take comfort in knowing that she was surrounded by those she loved most in the world when she left this earthly existence. And knowing that if I can live my life right I will see her once again.

Rest In Peace dear friend.

Another Loss

2013-01-18T20:55:00.001-05:00

This has been a rough month so far. My friend and supervisor passed away from cancer on the 15th. She was a few years younger than me, and it's made me feel so . . . mortal I guess is the right word.

I've been crocheting on the baby blanket I'm making for another coworker. Her son was born last month, but she knew it would take me awhile to finish. I should be done (about 3/4 of the way done now) by the time she returns to work next month.

I have also been asked to test a pattern, which I am doing. I'm kind of excited about it. I hope that I can eventually share it with you. At least show you my efforts and point you to the site where you can purchase a copy for yourself. It's a very summery project, which was great because we had been having wonderfully warm (low 80s) temps. Today that all changed, and the high was about 57. This is not why I moved south!

I haven't worked much on the January 12 Months of Christmas project. I have almost completed one light, which may be all that I manage right now. I did manage to collect yarn for the colors the pattern used, although I used DK rather than WW cotton.

Well, I just wanted to check in and let you know that I haven't forgotten you.

Sad Day

2013-01-12T07:52:00.001-05:00

My dear precious dog, Cocoa, passed away early this morning. My heart is breaking. She's been my protector and companion for 12 years. When my sister died she dried my tears with her sweet kisses. She was the alarm when something sounded wrong. She was my exercise partner encouraging me to walk a little further so she could smell that next blade of grass. Her wonderful quirks gave me so many moments of laughter I can't even count them. She will always be missed and hold a special place in my heart forever.

Rest in peace precious one.

New Year's Resolution

2013-01-02T21:46:00.002-05:00

I mentioned in my last post that my New Year's resolution is to be a better blogger by posting one Christmas themed project each month, my 12 Months of Christmas. I had hoped to decide on my first project by the beginning of the year (i.e., yesterday) and I did. I just didn't mention what it was going to be.

I found a pattern for a pretty Christmas themed garland on the Lily Sugar and Cream website. In order to access the pattern you need to register on the site, but it's free and chock full of free patterns made with their cotton yarn. I'm not going to use a cotton yarn. Most likely I'll dig through my extensive stash and come up with pretty colors to make it. Anyway, the pattern can be found here.

I have really bad lighting in my apartment, and very little room as I have my younger son and his family living with me. So I won't post any photos that show my progress, but I promise to include a picture of my finished project. And hopefully, I'll post more than just a finished project this month, too.

Hope your new year is off to a wonderful start.

Ann

An Attempt

2012-12-27T18:43:00.002-05:00

I'm going to make an attempt this new year to post at least once a month. I'm going to call it the 12 Months of Christmas by completing at least one Christmas themed crocheted item. I have no talent when it comes to designing anything so I'll be using one of the many patterns I've purchased or that were free. I'll post a picture, something I stink at doing, of my completed item and promise to give full credit to the pattern author if I can.

I hope those of you who may chance upon my blog will enjoy my experiment in being a better blogger. This is my first resolution for the coming year and I hope I can keep it!

There are bound to be a few other items included. Like the baby blanket I am currently making for a co-worker. The pattern can be found here. I liked it because the vertical portion is crocheted through the mesh rather than having to crochet a chain then weave it in. The author is Pia Linden (she's on Ravelry, which is where I came across this pattern). She used white as the main color, and turquoise and lime green as the other two colors. In any case I'm using I Love This Yarn in Pistache for the main color, along with Antique Teal and Sea Blue. Doesn't necessarily sound good together, but it really does look pretty. I'm almost threw with crocheting the mesh, then the weaving will begin. I'm excited about it and I promise promise promise to post a picture once it's done.

I haven't decided what my first Christmas pattern will be, but I should know by the 1st and will post all the pertinent information along with it.

Have a wonderful day.

Wow

2012-12-24T18:35:00.001-05:00

I knew it had been a long time since I last posted but hadn't realized it was quite such a long time.

I stink when it comes to keeping up with these posts, but in my defense at least this time I have some real reasons. In July and August I traveled extensively for work and was intent on ensuring a place for myself in a class this January. That fell through, but I've been strangely ill for the last six weeks or so.

In November I visited my older son and his family in Georgia, and ended up with a horrible sinus infection caught I'm sure from my granddaughter who had one at the time. Unfortunately the sinus infection lead to laryngitis which I had all Thanksgiving weekend. Then at the very beginning of December I caught the flu which developed into pneumonia.

I've been coughing steadily for several weeks and have managed to strain or pull a muscle in my rib cage and my shoulder. I am sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. The upside is that I've lost a few pounds (no appetite at all). Gotta have a silver lining in there somewhere.

And now it is Christmas Eve. I am so thankful to be able to celebrate this holiday with my family nearby. Despite my whining (thanks for letting me vent) I'm very blessed.

May you have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year!

More to come.

Out of Town

2012-07-26T18:47:00.000-04:00

I'm out of town this week for work, attending a class that is designed to teach the attendees how to use Lean Six Sigma to improve their organization. It's been an interesting course, and basically in three days we've been taught the information on 1500 slides. The class is tomorrow and I should be studying. Thankfully the test is multiple choice, so I should hopefully get a passing grade (um, open book!)

This time away from home, though, has allowed me to work on a blanket for my youngest grandson. He's not a year old yet, so I'm really hoping that I get it finished before his first birthday. Promise pictures when I get done.

It's also allowed me to see him for the first time. He's such a wonderful happy baby. My son is blessed to have such a cheerful little guy.

Well, the rainstorm carrying on outside has messed up the satellite feed to the hotel, so I'm going to stop and study for awhile. Till next time.

But of course

2012-05-31T22:36:00.000-04:00

There are lots of birds who live outside my apartment. I hear them every day. In the morning when I walk the dog. When I leave for work. When I come home. But I rarely see them. My favorite are the cardinals.

The summer before second grade my family lived in Miami. I won't tell you how long ago, but suffice it to say it's been a long, long time. Outside the living room window were a couple of beautiful hibiscus bushes. One morning I saw a male cardinal (I know this because he was bright red) sitting on a branch. I sat on the couch looking out and talking to him. Whatever he thought, he sat there for several minutes. This happened every day for about a week.

After that we went up to Pennsylvania to visit my grandmother. It was a bit upsetting because I had become attached to that pretty red bird. But I wanted to see Babci so I didn't complain. Well Babci had a front porch on her house which sported a wonderful bench swing. One afternoon I was on the swing and a cardinal just showed up. He landed on the cherry tree and sat there for a few minutes, long enough for me to say a few words.

I was so excited and ran to tell my mother about the cardinal. She was very serious when she explained that it wasn't the same bird. Now I'm an intelligent person. Logically I know that it couldn't have been the same bird, but that didn't mean that little 7 year old didn't know in her heart that they were one in the same.

Anyway, I've taken to carrying a camera with me on the off chance I see any of the birds and get a picture. Not that it helps when my hands are full when I see them. I walked around the corner to my apartment after work this afternoon and saw a beautiful male sitting on a piece of wood dislodged by all the wind and rain we've had. I stopped, amazed, when a female flew past and sat on the privacy fence. So, of course, I was unprepared.

Lately

2012-05-31T22:17:00.000-04:00

Since I'm not crocheting much lately I thought I'd just share a bit of what my life can be like.

I live in NE Florida and we just experienced several days of rain thanks to TS Beryl. No damage to where I live, although some of my potted plants outside were tossed around a bit and the entryway suffered a minor flood. It's tile so no damage although the adjacent carpet got wet. I'm prepared, though, with a shop vac and a carpet shampooer, as well as a spot cleaner. I have a dog, so I need to be like a boy scout!

That's enough for today.

Finally

2012-05-20T16:11:00.003-04:00

I finally have something on my hook again. I joined a yahoo group (Crochet in Common) which is a wonderfully active group. The group does a lot of things and there is a lot of chatter, too. It helped me get beyond my crocheter's block and find my inspiration again.

A week or so ago someone suggested doing an afghan with the States as the blocks. Since the group has members from other countries it was decided to do blocks that are representative of either the state or country where you live.

Sooooo . . . I'm designing one for Florida. It is my first real attempt at designing something other than an afghan or blanket, and so far I'm pleased with how it is turning out. I'm using variegated yarn for most of it (maybe all) because I like how it pulls in the natural variations found in nature.

It's a beach scene and will have a palm tree in it. The palm tree is what I feared most but as I've crocheted the block the way to crochet the palm came to me. I wanted to capture the textured trunk and was unsure how to make sure it was somehow apparent. I think I've solved it. No details yet, but once it's completed I'll post the picture and the instructions. Till then . . .

Creativity Block

2012-04-22T21:28:00.000-04:00

I have been facing a creativity block the like I had hoped was behind me. I have been searching blogs and Ravelry for patterns to ignite a spark but so far it has eluded me. I have plenty of patterns that I'd like to make, but actually starting is the issue. I have a nice stash built up from my last burst of creativity so yarn is not the problem. That said I have purchased a few skeins in hope they would help. I've actually attempted one project, an afghan for me (I never make anything for me) but I'm having such a difficult time with the pattern that I rarely pick up my hook. I'll take some pictures of my inspiration (if I can get some) and post them next time. I'll also explain the pattern I'm using, which has been adapted from a Redheart pattern.

2012-04-07T11:26:00.000-04:00

I'm ashamed to admit that it has been so long since I've been here. Truthfully, though, I lost my creative flow for awhile. Then I was in an accident in early November in which my car was totalled and my neck and back injured. That has caused issues with my being able to do anything crafty. I'm not 100% but I am getting to a point where I am able to do something for short spurts. So I'm off for now and will try and be better about getting crafty. I have started a new project, finally, but don't have pictures yet. Once I get a new batter for my camera I will post my progress and where you can find the pattern I used.

No Excuse

2011-09-17T17:30:00.000-04:00

It's been way too long since I've posted. No excuse really, at least for most of the days between then and now. Just nothing to talk about.

I haven't done much crocheting, which is part of the issue. I'm working on another baby blanket, same pattern as I used before, but this one is done in Deborah Norville Premiere yarn in Parrot. The nursery is going to be done in jewel tones, so it should look good with it. I like the color. There are long colorways which works well with the pattern I'm using.

I've also dragged out my sewing machine and made a dress for my granddaughter's 5th birthday, which is coming up soon. I'll post a picture of her in it.

A New Addition

2011-07-10T14:18:00.000-04:00

I found out this past week that the 4th grandchild is going to be a boy. I don't know the proposed name, or exactly when the he will join the family, but I'm excited none the less. Both of my sons will have two children then, one girl and one boy apiece. And the older ones are the girls. I decided soon after finding out the new one was on the way that I would make the baby, regardless of sex, a Texas flag baby blanket. I won't start on it until later in the year, but you can purchase the pattern I bought on Ravelry. The name of the pattern is Lone Star Baby, by Staci Perry. It is really a great pattern done in Tunisian crochet.

I love Tunisian crochet. Just the basic TSS is great for any pattern than has embroidery on it. It makes a perfect backdrop for a cross stitch pattern. And it is easy to master the basic stitch. If you haven't tried it yet you should.

So Much For That

2011-07-03T18:38:00.000-04:00

I said that I was going to do better about posting, and here it is, several days later, and I'm just not getting on to post. I was under the weather a bit last week, but still it isn't an excuse for the delay.

I have a friend who is getting married at the end of this month so I've been working on some love birds. I've tried several patterns but I haven't found one that I really like. I have a lot of difficulty with crocheting in rounds. It's a mental thing I guess, but I find it really difficult. If I get one finished I'll post a picture and where you can get the pattern.

I've also been working on an afghan for my best friend from high school. She remains one of my greatest supporters and the least I can do for her is make her an afghan. She has a closed in porch on her house, newly built a few years ago after her house was destroyed by Hurricane Rita. She likes to sit outside and read, and even though her porch is enclosed it still gets cold in the winter, so my goal is to make her a wrap to keep her warm. I finally settled on a pattern I found in a Crochet Today from last year. I know it was last year because I only got my subscription about a year ago. Anyway, the afghan is made by crocheting squares and just sewing them together. The completed squares are placed into a bag and sewn together in the order they are pulled out. I'm using Red Heart's Ranch Red and Claret for the main colors and with a few others made from scraps thrown in for a little more interest. I am woefully late on completing this, but as her birthday is in September I don't feel rushed to do it right now.

More on Smoke

2011-06-22T17:19:00.000-04:00

I mentioned a few posts ago about the smoke from fires from the north of here. Its still going on, some days worse than others. Yesterday the visibility was extremely poor and the smell of smoke inside the building at work was so strong I left with a headache. Here's a picture of midday yesterday. It reminds me of the sandstorms that kicked up from time to time when I was in Iraq.

I understand that fires such as those causing the smoke can smolder for quite a while before it gets under control because it burrows down into 3-4 feet of deadfall. Thankfully today wasn't as bad.

Fathers

2011-06-19T15:24:00.000-04:00

Today is Father's Day and I find myself surrounded by them, and missing the ones who mean a lot in my life.

My dad died in 1985, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss him. I was 29 and it was a devastating blow to me. He was a brilliant man, with a photographic memory. He was also a voracious reader and many times I'd find him in his recliner with one of the books from our encyclopedia set in his hand. I don't have a lot of clear memories of the year after he died. I know that I went to work and took care of my boys and my then soldier husband. But not of events that I know had to have happened during that time.

As for that soldier husband, about four years ago two weeks after our 31st wedding anniversary, he took off like a coward after getting caught by the husband of the woman with whom he was having an affair. I miss him less each day and hate him more. He destroyed his sons with other actions related to that woman but not to what he did to me, and has no contact with his youngest. He's missing the lives of his grandchildren who are growing into such wonderfully entertaining people. I've forgiven him and that woman and the others he probably slept with while we were still living together as husband and wife. His ego is such that he can't bring himself to apologize for what he's done. I say this knowing that in those 31 years he apologized to me three times. And you know that he messed up more than 3 times in all those years. He is after all a man.

But I have two sons who are wonderful fathers and I see how involved they are with their children. I have to take credit for that because their dad wasn't involved with them like that. My grandchildren are going to remember this involvement and appreciate it when they have children of their own.

Happy Father's Day to all fathers. Earn that title!

I Give Up!!!!

2011-06-18T19:09:00.001-04:00

I've come to the conclusion that I just cannot deal with plastic canvas. I started stitching together my purse organizer and found that one piece somehow has disappeared. I'm sure it is around here somewhere, but rather than take the time to look for it I started stitching. This pattern was relatively simple. Just straight sides, nothing fancy. And even so I managed to break one of the little holes. I guess my frustration has more to do with my attempts at making coasters for my older son's birthday, in the shape of Texas, where I am from and he was born. You can get the coaster pattern here. After three tries I got one coaster cut out. I've gone through another four attempts and I'm just done with it. Maybe my eyes are just too bad or I need to get stronger reading glasses. I don't know but I just am not going to deal with it for now. Oh well, I guess I will just have to avoid using the purse I designed this for, or use it and get frustrated being unable to find things easily.

Smoke

2011-06-17T21:40:00.000-04:00

I've been bad lately, not posting anything for several days. I told myself that I would post regularly if I started this and I feel like I've failed myself. Oh well. I'll try to do better.

Monday evening there were heavy thunderstorms that blew through the area where I live and some of the lightning strikes started fires in the state directly north of here. Every day I'd walk out and smell the fires and ash was covering my car heavy enough to look like snow. It rained on Wednesday, too, but not enough to quench the fires. It also rained several times today. I just came back in from walking my dogs and for the first time in four days I didn't smell smoke. Hopefully this means that the fires started by Monday's storms are finally out.

I haven't worked on anything since I last posted. I have to get started on my oldest son's birthday present. His birthday is in August, so I have a little time, but it really just seems to go faster and faster these days. I also have planned something for a friend who is getting married next month. Hopefully her gift won't take as long.

I promised that I'd get my purse organizer stitched together and that hasn't been done yet, either. I will get on that, too.

It's Been A Few Days

2011-06-08T19:52:00.000-04:00

I am ashamed that I haven't worked on much of anything lately. I did start a ruana, which is a kind of a wrap. I wanted to try my hand at entrelac crochet, which is the pattern for this wrap. I've had difficulty understanding the instructions, because parts of it are counterintuitive for what I know about Tunisian crochet the foundation for the entrelac pattern. I'm using Bernat Mosaic in Psychedelic which is a wonderful mix of yellows greens and blues. As soon as I get some length to it I'll post a picture. I've started it over at least 6 times, and am once again on the foundation tier.

I also need to stitch together the purse organizer. I'll take a deep breath and do that in the next few days, too.

(Still not done.)

Time Off

2011-06-02T20:29:00.000-04:00

I just got back from spending a few days in Savannah, GA, visiting with my roommate from Iraq who was there for a conference. Savannah is a beautiful city. It was my first trip there and I wish I could have stayed longer. I'm going back and taking my family with me. It's fairly close to where I now live, well within travel time that we could run up for a day and return in the evening.

I took crochet projects with me because I thought I'd have plenty of time to work on something while LV was in her conference during the day. That didn't happen. There is just so much to do there, and I was out of the room and walking along River St. poking my nose into the wonderful shops that have revitalized the warehouse buildings put up in the 1700s.

This morning while I sat eating breakfast at Huey's (a wonderful eatery) I glanced out the window and saw a dolphin frolicking in the river. I was surprised to see one so far up the river. I understand the ocean is about 12 miles from where I stayed. It was wonderful to see.

We didn't eat at Paula Deen's restaurant, a mere two blocks from the hotel, opting instead to take a trolley tour in the evening instead. The first night, though, we ate at the Pirate's House Restaurant, reputed to be haunted. I don't know about that as any ghosts in residence behaved themselves, but the honey pecan glazed fried chicken is delicious.

I won't bore you any long with my trip. It was great, though.